Conference Synopsis

The Great Lakes Bioneers Conference is a weekend affair in October. Complete with activities for the entire family, the Conference welcomes children, youth, and adults. Each morning begins with a local keynote speaker who starts the day with an inspiring and empowering message related to each year’s chosen theme. Following the keynote, participants are offered a variety of workshop options, presented by local experts, on topics ranging from “Reducing Cancer Risk,” to “Biosand Filtration for Safe Drinking Water,” to “Creating a Culture of Self Repair” to “Biodynamic Gardening.” A delicious, nutritious lunch prepared with organic food purchased directly from local farmers follows our morning sessions. After lunch, participants are offered the opportunity to continue to engage with local workshop presenters or to instead listen to nationally-recognized speakers who are beamed in from the national Bioneers site in San Rafael, California. Previous year’s speakers include Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. James Hansen.

Throughout the Conference, family-friendly programming, yoga and meditation are offered. During a break in the afternoon each day and on one of the evenings, delicious refreshments are served by one of our sponsors. On Friday evening, we kick-off the conference with a family friendly concert by the Earthwork Music Collective, and on Saturday evening we host a mixer at a local venue. The Conference closes on Sunday evening with a special ceremony that brings all participants together and which integrates the concepts and lessons shared during the weekend.